How is it possible that I went to Annabel Lee Café twice in one week?
The first time, it was pure serendipity.
The second time, not so much.
It was one of those nights in Metro Manila where heavy rains resulted in traffic jam everywhere. With traffic at a standstill in most places, there was no way I could go home. I stopped at a café that seemed like a perfect place to while the time away – Annabel Lee Cafe in Timog Avenue.
After I got seated, their gallery of Funko Pops caught my attention because yeah, Funko Pops, right?
Check out those bananas!
It didn’t seem right that I wouldn’t try their food, so I ordered their Pasta Carbonara.
For dessert, I had their Spiked Affogato with coffee liqueur and warm espresso poured over vanilla ice cream served with Lotus Biscoff cookies.
Tuesday, as it turned out, was Open Mike Night.
The servers handed out little strips of paper where you can write two song requests, which is given to Mr. Piano Man. It took me awhile to actually write something, simply contented with watching and observing my surroundings. I tried not to sing, but eventually got roped into it. I ended up warbling the night away, but it was such a warm, welcoming and supportive crowd that they all clapped anyway. I also met the owner, Mr. Dennis Lee, as well as his very talented daughter Tani. Father and daughter are both jaw-dropping excellent singers.
Before leaving, I vowed to go back soon. Who knew I’d go back that Saturday, this time with friends in tow?
While waiting for Saturday night’s pianoke to begin, we shared this appetizer, Krakatoa, with deep fried flour tortilla topped with ragu and cream cheese sauce. Yummy!
I’ve never had Asian Pork Stew so I gave it a go. How can I say no to tender pork belly cooked in soy honey sauce?
My friend got this Callos. The food was pretty good that he wished for a bigger serving!
His wife ate Beef Salpicao (stir-fried garlic beef), which is a dish I can only find and eat when I’m here in the Philippines.
We spent the rest of the night singing and, surprisingly, dancing the night away. There was such a fun and engaged crowd that night and once again, I had a blast. We left ALC right before closing time.
So yeah, going to Annabel Lee Cafe twice in one week? It’s highly possible, extremely doable and definitely enjoyable!
Verdict: Don’t be deceived by ALC’s façade. Sure, it’s a café but once its sing-along roots kick in, then it’s unlike any cafés you’ve been to before. If you enjoy listening to people singing their earnest hearts out, then visit during one of their Open Mike Nights – Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturdays. Otherwise, visit on other nights where you can enjoy some good food and quiet ambiance.
I assumed that the café was named after Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee“. It wasn’t. The café was actually named after the owner’s wife. My mistake was the reason why the café caught my attention. I love the tortured Edgar Allan Poe (especially his “The Pit and the Pendulum”, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “The Black Cat” and “The Cask of Amontillado”) and I actually memorized “Annabel Lee” in my youth. I thought it was a literary café of sorts. In this case, I’m glad to be wrong. Thankfully, the vibe in ALC wasn’t as tragic and sad as the poem.
Anyway, I plan to go back there soon with a different group of friends. Hopefully, I’ll get to try their Frozen Brazo de Mercedes too!
Address:
Annabel Lee Cafe
65 Timog Avenue
Quezon City, Philippines